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The adaptation of the active control technology to practical suspension systems of vehicles has remarkably improved the safety and ride-comfort of vehicles. This paper presents a study on the practical realization methods of an active suspension system that combines high response and low energy dissipation. The effects of active control on the stability of vehicle motion and ride-comfort were investigated by practical tests using an experimental vehicle. The integrated active suspension system consists of a motor-controlled oil pump, which is active power source, and a motor-controlled variable orifice, which is semi-active adjustable element. Multi-controller computer systems for individual controls of each suspension unit and an integrated control of the whole body behavior are also installed.

The object of this study is to investigate the possibility of improving ride comfort, and develop a new damping control system. We supposed and analyzed the ideal damping control for vehicle suspension system using optimal control strategy. The parameter study shows the effect of reducing vehicle acceleration from road excitation. To achieve the same performance with a more simple and lower cost control strategy, we introduce another control strategy called ‘Skyhook model’ proposed by D.Karnopp. Continuously damping control system is developed based on this to avoid some problems that might be caused in the case of a two-stage switching system. Further more, variable control gain depends on vehicle vibration circumstances introduced to realize the adaptation of various road conditions. Using computer simulation and testing the experimental vehicle, effectiveness of this system is evident and the possibility of ride comfort improvement is verified by using this control.